St Catherine S Is a Thriving School Situated in a Quiet Residential Area in the Upper Stratton

INTRODUCTION

St Catherine’s is a thriving school situated in a quiet residential area in the Upper Stratton area of Swindon. The school was built by St Mary’s Parish in 1969 and has a sister school, St Mary’s, also serving St Mary’s Parish. The school converted to an academy on 1st September 2012. Our mission is to provide a Catholic education for the primary aged children of the parish.

We have worked in close partnership with St Mary’s this past school year, sharing a Headteacher as well as Academy Manager. (St Mary’s converted to academy status on 1st August 2011 It is hoped to cement this partnership by St Catherine’s joining St Mary’s to form a Multi Academy Trust. The two schools merging will become The Parish Federation of St Mary’s and St Catherine’s. This will happen early in the school year 2014-2015.

We cater for some 210 pupils, aged between four and eleven years of age. St Catherine’s is highly regarded by its local community, and has a well earned reputation for its high academic and social expectations as well as its caring friendly approach to our pupils. The most recent OFSTED judged the school to be good with its behavior being judged as being outstanding. OFSTED also judged the school to be outstanding in the spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness of its pupils.

The school uses a variety of approaches to children’s learning. Although all the national curriculum subjects are taught, we try to use a cross curricular approach through topic work whenever possible. Sometimes classes are taught using whole class teaching methods whereas at other times group work is used. Children learn in different ways so in both Key Stage 1 and 2 learning opportunities are planned with this in mind. There will also be times when areas of learning are taught as separate subjects, such as Maths.

Above all, the person of Jesus Christ as our role model and teacher impacts on everything that happens in school. We use his teaching and Gospel values to inform how we act with each other, our community and the wider world. We support C.A.F.O.D, Operation Christmas Child, our local S.V.P. group as well as our local community in the distribution of Harvest hampers and contribution the Christmas Shelter appeal.

We are committed to our home / school partnership. We have an “open door” policy with our parents, encouraging them to be involved with the school and our very active “Friend’s Association”, which raises valuable funds for our school are always looking for more people to join them.

Our grounds comprise of a large sport’s field, playground,an activity trail, and wooded area. There are 7classrooms, a large hall and a learning resource area which is housed in the caretaker’s bungalow named The Sunshine Rooms. We are a Healthy School and are in the process of working towards Sing Up Awards and Eco Friendly Awards.

Catkin’s playgroup is located within the grounds, although it is completely independent of the school.

Our first priority is your child’s welfare and therefore there may be occasions when our concern about your child means that we have to consult other agencies before we contact you. The procedures we follow have been laid down by the South West Child Protection Procedures. If you want to know more about this procedure, please speak to the Headteacher.

Letter from the Headteacher

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends,

Welcome to St Catherine’s School.

We, the Staff and Governors welcome you and your child to our school community, joining us in our efforts to provide the best possible experiences for all children to reach their full potential in their learning, as well as developing the spiritual and social dimensions of their lives.

Education is a partnership involving parents and carers in a vital role. Children learn their first standards from their parents, and a Catholic school can only build on what parents are doing at home. The Church’s Declaration on Christian Education states:

“Parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure.”

I hope you find this prospectus useful in providing much necessary information regarding St. Catherine’s You may wish to visit our website to gain a flavour of some of the work and activities in which our young people are engaged.

If you do not know our school, you are most welcome to visit us to see the school at work. Please telephone for a mutually convenient time.

Yours sincerely

Clare-Marie Burchall

St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School (Academy) Swindon,registered in England and Wales under 08132338 , registered office address, Davenwood, Stratton St Margaret Swindon Wiltshire SN2 7LL

GOVERNORS

The Governing Body has the responsibility for the school’s strategic policies, aims and objectives, finance, premises and staffing as well as being the employer of all staff.

The Governing Body meets at least three times per year and the Curriculum, Finance and Premises and Staffing meet as required, but at least once each term and they in turn report to the Governing Body.

The Governing Body of the Parish Federation will be comprised as such:

Chair of Governors:

To be appointed

Vice Chair

To be appointed

Foundation Governors Appointed by Bishop Declan:

Fr Michael McAndrew

Mrs. A Griffin

Mrs Anne-Marie Long

Mr Elias Fernandes

Mr Peter Wells

Mrs Ceri McAteer

Mrs Teresa Morse

Mrs Lucy Skittrall

Mr John Clifford

Headteacher:Staff Governor:

Mrs. C-M BurchallMiss Zoe Crook (St Mary’s), Mrs Jo Bailey (St Catherine’s)

Parent Governors

Mr Stephen Butcher St Catherine’s

Mr Antony Maddison St Catherine’s

Mr Paul Gilbert (St Mary’s)

Mrs Karen Goldup (St Catherine’s)

Company Secretary Mr Peter Thompson

Election of Parent Governor:

All parents of children at St Catherine’s are eligible to: vote in the parent election or

stand for election as Parent Governor.

St. Catherine’s School Staff

St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School (Academy) Swindon,registered in England and Wales under 08132338 , registered office address, Davenwood, Stratton St Margaret Swindon Wiltshire SN2 7LL

Teaching Staff

Jo Bailey

Sarah Burke

Kelly Cole

Rebecca Jackson

Ruth Lee

Alex Martin

Malgosia Sewerniak

Teresa Stewart

Claire Wright

Lisa Wright

Kasia Wojewodka

Headteacher

Clare-Marie Burchall

Associate Head

Ruth Lee

Assistant Head

Sarah Burke

Teaching Assistants

Marion Aldridge

Eileen Brookes

April Curtis

Karen Galati

Jill Longley

Maureen Lovett

Carole Rickards

Lynn Swann

Irene Tray

Admin Assistant

Elaine Ball

Company Secretary

Data Protection Officer

Peter Thompson

MDSA

Theresa Burberry

Karen Galati

Linda Knight

Jill Longley

Maureen Lovett

Penny Rea

Dennise Richardson

Site Manager

John Forde

St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School (Academy) Swindon,registered in England and Wales under 08132338 , registered office address, Davenwood, Stratton St Margaret Swindon Wiltshire SN2 7LL

Teaching Staff Areas of Responsibility

C-M BurchallHeadteacher (R.E)

Jo Bailey P.E.

Sarah BurkeMaths, Assessment, Achievement for All

Kelly ColeEAL and Equalities

Rebecca JacksonMusic, MFL

Ruth LeeChild Protection Officer, Literacy

Malgosia SewerniakArt and D.T.

Teresa StewartSENCO 0.4

Claire WrightScience and PSHE

Lisa WrightI.C.T. and Gifted and Talented

Kasia WojewodkaHistory / Geography

Alex MartinN.Q.T.

CLASSES

SienaMiss Wojewodka with Mrs Brookes and Mrs Curtis

RavennaMrs Bailey with Mrs Galati

VeniceMrs Cole / Mrs Jackson with Mrs Longley

PompeiiMiss Wright with Mrs Lovett

VeronaMrs Wright / Mrs Rickards

AssisiMrs Martin with Mrs Aldridge and Mrs Tray

RomeMiss Burke with Mrs Swann

Home School Partnership

Aims

We aim to develop an environment in which parents/carers feel valued and take an active role in the education of their children. We would like to encourage you to share your particular skills and experiences as parents.

We aim to establish strong links and a feeling of togetherness between parent/carer, school and child.

We believe that regular contact between home and school is important for pupils, for parents and for staff. Through regular contact, school and home can keep each other informed about progress in learning, school issues and ways in which we can work together to make sure each young person has a happy and successful time at St Catherine’s.

Parents Welcome

Parents can see children’s work, have brief discussions with teachers or arrange a time to talk before or after school.

Homework Diary / Reading Diary

Daily correspondence between parents and teachers is recorded in this diary and it provides information about progress as well as happenings in the class.

Newsletters

These are distributed frequently, giving up to the minute news about what has happened or what is about to happen. Menus for hot dinners are also distributed monthly.

Parent/Carers’ invitation to Assemblies

Class assemblies are held most Friday at 1.00pm. Information as to the order of assemblies will be given in newsletters. Whole school assemblies for Harvest, Advent, Lent Fast Days and Charity assemblies are also held throughout the year. Performances for EYFS, Years 1 and 2 are held at Christmas, Years 3 and 4 at Easter and Year 6 at Summer. You are always most welcome to attend.

Parent/Teacher consultations

As well as frequent opportunities for informal contact, time is set aside twice a year, in October and February / March to meet on a formal basis with class teachers to discuss your child’s progress and achievement.

An annual report is sent out in July with an option for you to meet with the class teacher to discuss its contents if you so desire.

Parents helping in school

We welcome contact with parents who wish to come into school to help in any way, working with children as well as sharing talents and skills and expertise. Parent volunteers will be given training and they can help with the upkeep of the library, hearing readers, gardening, sewing to mention but a few. They can also help with the setting up of and running after school clubs. A D.B.S.. check is required

Meeting for parents/carers for children prior to entering Reception

A meeting is held in the term prior to your child entering school where parents/carers are able to meet with the key adults who will play an important part in the first year of a child being at St Catherine’s e.g. Class Teacher, Teaching Assistant, Headteacher, School Nurse.

What you can expect from the school and what we expect from you is explained. School uniform can be purchased and refreshments are served.

PARENT GOVERNORS

Parents are represented on the Governing Body through election and are involved in all aspects of the school’s life. Letters will go out when there is a vacancy.

HOMEWORK

Children in the younger classes take home reading books as well as spellings while the older children may take home English and Maths work as well as researching information for the topics they are learning about in school. An increasing amount of homework is now internet based, using such sites as My Maths and Education City. The children have access using their own passwords. If your child does not have access to the internet then provision can be made for your child to have access to a school laptop. If you would like your child to access this facility please contact the school office.

SECONDARY EDUCATION

During your child’s final year at St Catherine’s School you will be contacted regarding transfer to secondary school.

The Catholic secondary school for St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School is St Joseph’s Catholic College, Swindon.

SCHOOL TIMES:

Children must not enter the playground before08.30

Morning session begins08.40

Morning session ends11.55 for KS1 and Reception

Morning Session ends12.10 for KS2

Afternoon session begins13.00

Afternoon session ends at 15.15

Friday afternoons: school finishes for everyone at13.30

All children should have left the premises by 15.30 except those involved in school activities.

Please note: In the interests of health and safety, children are not permitted on the premises before 08.30, and parent/carer’s cars are not permitted entry to the school grounds at any time. To promote good relations with our neighbours, please park carefully in the residential streets, avoiding double parking or parking across drives.

A new school gate has been erected which opens straight on to the playground. This is to allow parents to park at the Kingsdown, walk down Hyde Road and cross at the crossing. They will then have direct access on to the school playground.

SCHOOL YEAR DATES

Term 1 2014Term 2 2014

Begins 2nd SeptemberBegins 3rd November

Ends 24thOctoberEnds 19thDecember

Term 3 2015Term 4 2015

Begins 7th January Begins 23rd February

Ends 13th FebruaryEnds 27th March

Term 5 2015Term 6 2015

Begins 13th AprilBegins 1st June

Ends 22nd MayEnds 17th July

Teacher Training Days

1st September 2014, 29th June, July 20th, 21st, 22nd 2014 inclusive

ABSENCES

If your child is absent from school for any reason please let the school know by telephone or letter. A telephone answering service is available to report absences. If we do not hear from you that day we will contact you by text. However, you need to follow up your phone call with a written explanation in order for you child to be given an authorised absence.

If your child is absent due to illness please do not send him or her back to school until they are fit and well.

Parents may apply to the Headteacher for leave of absence to take their child out of school for a period not exceeding two weeks in any school year. This request needs to be made face to face with the Headteacher and is at the discretion of the Headteacher. There needs to be a valid reason for requesting leave of absence. Absence due to a holiday is not considered a valid reason and is usually classed as unauthorised.

Any unauthorised absence will be followed up by the school and in some instances by the Educational Welfare Officer. Fixed penalty notices can be issued along with a fine of up to £60 per child per parent.

STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON ABSENCES

Figures are for the period September 2013 to 23rd May 2014

Total number of pupils on roll of compulsory school age 195

Percentage of half days missed through authorised absence: 3.55%

Percentage of half days missed through unauthorised absence: 0.03%

Total percentage of attendance: 96.42%

UNIFORM

Black or grey trousers, skirts or pinafore

Plain socks or tights

Black or brown flat school shoes or boots

Either

White shirt, v neck royal blue jumper or cardigan

White polo shirt and royal blue sweatshirt

A school fleece may also be worn.

Summer

Black / grey tailored shorts or a blue and white dress may be worn. Sandals may also be worn by both boys and girls in the summer.

Uniform can be ordered online from our school website under the uniform tag, Recognition Express located in the Cheyney Manor Industrial Estate are our suppliers.Uniform ordered online will be delivered to school for collection by parents / carers on a Wednesday.

P.E. KIT

P.E.kit should be kept in a drawstring bag at school during the week. For health and safety reasons, sports bags are not allowed due to insufficient space.. Trainers of any type are NOT part of the uniform but as an item of P.E. kit, trainers can be worn during lunchtime play. All school clothes and shoes should be clearly named.

SCHOOL RULES AND DISCIPLINE

In fostering the Christian ethos and atmosphere of the school, high standards of respect and care are expected of all children.

Minor disciplinary problems are dealt with by the class teacher, then may be referred to the Associate Head and finally the Headteacher. In more serious cases the school will make contact with the parents/carers.

St Catherine’s promotes a positive approach to discipline and children are praised for good behaviour and effort through being given certificates at Friday assemblies or house points and stickers.

Some specific rules are necessary to prevent difficulties arising:

Arrive promptly between 08.30 and 08.40 wearing school uniform, remembering not to enter school before this time.
Treat others as you would like to be treated, with honesty, fairness and politeness remembering to respect their property.
Tell your teacher if you are being physically or verbally bullied. It will be dealt with both promptly and discreetly.
Comply with the teachers’ and support staffs’ instructions for good behaviour and order.
Walk quietly in single file and on the left along the corridor and up the stairs. Valuables, toys and jewellery must be kept at home. Ear rings are not permitted. A small ear stud may be worn which either has to be removed or taped up for P.E.
Although mobile phones are not encouraged in school we do understand that they are sometimes necessary. Any mobile phones need to be handed to the class teacher for safekeeping.
Written permission is required to bring bikes to school. Helmets must be worn if riding a bike to school.
At the end of the day, unless you are attending an after school activity, leave school by 15.30. If there is no-one to collect you wait outside the Headteacher’s office.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religious Education is not seen as a lesson that only takes place at a set time but as something that permeates the whole life and atmosphere of the school.

A structured approach to the teaching of the Roman Catholic faith is provided by using the “Come and See” programme which is taught in the majority of the diocesan schools in Clifton. A daily act of worship is an important part of the school day and takes place in class or with a larger group.